Filmmaker Statement

This film was part of an exercise during my Directing Fiction MA for the National Film and Television School. We were given two rolls of film and two days to film. I collaborated with writer, Tania Amsel, who told a story inspired by her experience in children’s homes. Her honesty and authentic voice was important to give room to thrive in this. We shot on 16mm and I worked with new performers and non-actors. With non-actors, it was also important for me to improvise some of the dialogue and build a strong connection and friendship on and off screen. I feel their creativity and natural performances I think shine through. I love their chemistry in the film. Shooting on film with limited stock was an interesting challenge that led to me and cinematographer Hsien Yu Niu’s strong collaboration. We were hyper focussed with our vision for the film and precision was vital; shooting entirely handheld, in the height of summer and the weekend of the 37C heatwave!